The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of millet-based food products from India to New Zealand, marking a significant step in expanding global market access for the country’s value-added millet exports.
The milestone shipment underscores India’s efforts to promote millets in international markets and strengthen exports of nutritious, climate-resilient food products. The consignment included a range of processed millet-based foods aimed at meeting growing consumer demand for healthy and sustainable dietary options.
The use of sea freight for the export demonstrates the commercial viability of transporting millet products over longer distances in a cost-effective manner. Industry stakeholders believe the development could help scale up exports by reducing logistics costs and improving supply chain efficiency for overseas buyers.
APEDA has been actively supporting exporters through market promotion initiatives, buyer-seller engagements and export facilitation measures to enhance the global presence of Indian millet products. The authority has also been working with producers and food processors to develop export-ready value-added products that meet international quality and packaging standards.
New Zealand is emerging as a promising market for health-focused food products, and the successful shipment is expected to create new opportunities for Indian exporters looking to diversify their export destinations. Growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of millets has boosted demand for millet-based snacks, cereals, flours and ready-to-eat products across several international markets.
The export aligns with India’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for millet production and trade. Following the international spotlight on millets in recent years, exporters have been exploring new markets while expanding product portfolios to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Industry participants expect the successful sea shipment to pave the way for regular exports of millet-based foods to New Zealand and other markets in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting growth in India’s agri-food export sector and creating additional opportunities for farmers and food processors.
